Firefighter Off Duty During Hit-And-Run Probe

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/CBS 2/AP) — A New York City firefighter suspected in a fatal hit-and-run has been placed on administrative duty while authorities investigate the incident.

Investigators were trying to determine if the firefighter was behind the wheel of the car when it struck and killed a pedestrian in Brooklyn on Sunday.

They said Patrick Quagliariello walked into a Brooklyn precinct hours later and told them his vehicle was involved in the accident. Police said he refused to say whether he was the driver and asked for a lawyer.

Police said he was released while they conducted the investigation.

The 25-year-old victim, Manuel Tzajguachiac, had come to Brooklyn about six months ago to raise cash from various jobs he was doing to send back to his wife and family in Guatemala. He was struck and killed around 12:30 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of 65th Street and 20th Avenue in Bensonhurst.